Under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets Act, since 2008, all public sector organizations have reported annually on their plans and actions taken to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Since 2010, all public sector organizations also report their total GHG emissions for the calendar year as well as offset investments made to achieve net-zero emissions. These reports are known as Climate Change Accountability Reports (CCARs). These reports were previously known as Carbon Neutral Action Reports.

The lastest report.

Langara College's 2021 Climate Change Accountability Report is now available.

Highlights from the 2021 report:

Infrastructure

  • Solar panels: Langara added 45 solar panels for a total of 83. It is now a 30.98kWp system.

  • Water fill stations: Installed on campus to eliminate the need for single-use water bottles on campus, with a goal to have one on every floor of every building. We now have 27 water fill stations across campus, and have collectively saved over 2.4 million plastic bottles to date. To bolster this effort, we also started offering and promoting stainless steel refillable containers in vending machines, cafeteria and bookstore on campus.
  • Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations: Added 12 new electric vehicle charging stations for a total of 28 stations. This is in addition to electric bicycle chargers available in our cycling facilities. As part of the installation of 6 dual-headed chargers in the library, a new 150KVA, 600V:208Y/120V transformer and a 400A, 208Y/120V panel c/w main breaker were installed. This transformer and panel accommodated the 6 x dual-headed chargers with spare capacity for future growth.
  • Walk-in coolers project has been completed. The old units used “once through” domestic cold water technology which no longer meets current building codes and standards. In addition to being energy efficient, they will save many liters of water each year. We have seen reduction in water usage on campus; this is one of several projects this year that reduced water usage on campus. Water cost saving from Walk in coolers, IT cooling and major leaks that were repaired are in the $25,000 - $35,000 range. Water use equivalent to 2 Olympic sized swimming pools.
Community and Engagement
  • The Sustainability Student Ambassador (SSA) Program: Launched in 2019, this program provides leadership experience for Langara students interested in engaging the community in sustainable practices. Led by a co-op student, student volunteers work together in small teams to develop and execute sustainability-related events and activities.
  • Sustainability Survey: the College conducted its first ever Sustainability Culture Assessment Survey from January 25–February 8, 2021, where we asked students and employees questions related to their perceptions and behaviour towards the environment.

Did you know? BC’s public sector is officially carbon neutral, a first for any province or state in North America and an achievement that places British Columbia on the leading edge of climate action and growth in the clean energy and clean technology sectors. BC's Carbon Neutral Government Program was officially recognized for its efforts by the United Nations with a 2018 UN Momentum for Change Award.